Varicose Vein Treatment in NYC | Palisades Vein Center

Varicose Vein Treatment Overview

Veins carry blood back to the heart. In your legs, they work against gravity; your calf muscles squeeze the veins, and one-way valves keep blood moving upward. Varicose veins are weakened, dilated veins (often with faulty valves) that have lost elasticity and can’t efficiently return blood to the heart. Blood then pools, making veins bulge with the classic rope-like appearance.

These diseased veins can show up as leg veins, facial veins, or elsewhere on the body. Over time, untreated valve dysfunction can lead to chronic venous insufficiency with persistent swelling, skin changes, pain, and even ulceration.

Palisades Vein Center Difference Between Healthy and Unhealthy Vein Valve

Spider Veins

Spider veins often occur alongside varicose veins due to increased pressure. They’re tiny red, purple, or blue veins just under the skin with a web-like pattern—usually a cosmetic concern and rarely painful. On the legs, spider veins are best treated with sclerotherapy. Facial spider veins are often ideal for VeinGogh™ (see our Facial Vein Treatment page). Select cases may benefit from laser therapy.

Spider veins on the thigh

Reticular Veins

Reticular veins are larger blue or green veins located just beneath the skin and often act as “feeder” veins to spider veins. They can occasionally be tender or achy. The gold-standard treatment is sclerotherapy (including foam); some cases benefit from ambulatory phlebectomy. Learn more on our Reticular Vein Treatment page.

Reticular veins on the thigh

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are rope-like, can cause pain and heaviness, and may lead to chronic venous insufficiency or phlebitis. Many originate from valve failure in the great or small saphenous vein. Modern options include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), VenaSeal, and targeted vein removal. Explore our Leg Vein Treatment page for a deeper dive.

Superficial vein anatomy

Palisades Vein Center Large Varicose Veins

Larger varicose veins on the calf

Symptoms

Heaviness, aching, throbbing
Swelling and leg cramps (often worse by day’s end)
Itching or burning
Skin discoloration or wounds (ulcers)

Bleeding

When skin is very thin over a vein, minor trauma (even a hot shower) can trigger bleeding.

Ulceration

Venous ulcers can occur with long-standing venous insufficiency and are challenging to heal.

Causes

Genetics / family history
Pregnancy or hormone therapy
Excess weight
Prolonged sitting or standing / lack of exercise
Aging

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is often clear on exam, but choosing the right treatment requires high-quality non-invasive testing. Start with an evaluation on our Diagnosis page, then explore care options for facial veins, reticular veins, hand veins, and leg veins.